HMC143

The HMC143 from Hittite Microwave is a miniature GaAs MMIC double-balanced mixer designed for upconversion or downconversion applications. It operates across a broad frequency range of 5 to 20 GHz for RF and LO signals, with an IF bandwidth extending from DC to 3 GHz. This mixer utilizes a standard 1μm GaAs MESFET process and incorporates on-chip baluns, eliminating the need for external components or DC bias. It offers typical conversion loss values between 10 and 12 dB and a typical noise figure of 10-12 dB (SSB). The device provides good LO to RF isolation, typically 26-30 dB, and LO to IF isolation of 14-18 dB across its operating frequencies. The input IP3 is typically +25 dBm, and the 1 dB gain compression point is typically 10-15 dBm. The HMC143 is supplied in a compact chip form factor measuring 2.10 x 1.45 x 0.1 mm.

This mixer is suitable for applications such as microwave point-to-point radios and VSAT systems. Its design provides broadband operation and excellent isolations, making it a reliable replacement for hybrid diode mixers. The HMC144 variant offers identical performance with a mirrored layout for easier integration into image-reject mixer modules.

Key electrical specifications include a typical conversion loss of 10-12 dB and a typical noise figure of 10-12 dB (SSB) across the 5-20 GHz frequency range. The input IP3 is rated at +25 dBm, and the 1 dB gain compression is 10-15 dBm. The IF bandwidth is DC to 3 GHz.